BALANCING POLITICAL HISTORY, ETHNOGRAPHY AND ART: THE ROLE OF A NATIONAL MUSEUM

Ms. Mandakini Shrestha Director, National Museum of

INTRODUCTION globalization in modern times could not erode the glory of these cultures and civilizations. The Nepal is a landlocked country between is a leading institu- two big countries in Asia:India and China. It tion invested in protecting cultural assets. is known throughout the world as the home to Showcase of the various ethnic groups of Nepal the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest, and as the After revolutionary change in 2008, Image courtesy of the National Museum of Nepal birthplace of the light of Asia, Lord Buddha. This Nepal was declared as a federal republic and country is rectangular in shape and is surround- religiously secular country. ed by India to its East, West and South, and by Therefore, the National Museum is popular PRE-HISTORIC STONE TOOLS China to its North. From North to South, it NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NEPAL among researchers and the common people. descends gradually and, as such, is regarded as This section of the gallery provides in- a paradise for the ecologist who specializes in Opened in 1938, the National Museum HISTORICAL BUILDING formation on human existence in Nepal in the various branches. Its total area is 1,47,181 sq. km. was the frst public museum of Nepal. However, Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods. The gallery It is fve hundred miles long from East to West it was initially not open to the general public. It The building that hosts the historical uses fossilised bones of cow, bufaloes and ele- and one hundred to one hundred and forty miles was an arsenal museum, a repository of weapons. gallery was built in 1829 by , phants to illustrate the lifestyle of these periods. wide in breadth. Geographically, it is divided into It was also home to the private collection of the the frst . During this Diferent stone tools and artefacts are also part three parts, including the Himalayan region, Royal family and Rana Prime Ministers.1 It was time, the building was used as a barrack to house of the collection and displayed in this section. Mountain region and Plain () region. Along established in 1938 with the name Chhauni Silkhana weapons kept. The architecture is inspired by with the diversity in the geographical structure, and opened to the public. It was renamed “Nepal French architecture. The museum’s galleries are WEAPONS AND ARMS GALLERY it is also rich in bio-cultural diversity. Nepal is Museum” in 1942 and renamed again, “Nation- made up of many sections. They are as follows: known world-wide for its tangible and intangible al Museum” (Rastriya Sangrahalaya) in 1967. This gallery includes the weapons and guns cultural heritage. The and moun- NATURAL HISTORY GALLERY used by Kings, Prime Ministers, nobles and brave tains, valleys and gorgeous geographical scene Since its inception, the museum has warriors. They date from the 15th century CE. make Nepal an “ornament of nature”. collected thousands of pre-historical, archaeolog- This gallery is extremely important and ical, historical and culturally important objects. rare objects such as various taxidermied animals Nepal’s history has also been narrated Over the centuries, Nepal has provided Thus, it occupies a very prominent position as a are displayed in a lifelike . Mandibular bones and presented in the gallery. Napoleon III’s a haven for people from the North and South, repository of ancient Nepalese art and culture, of whales and a Moon rock stone are part of the sword presented as a gift to Prime Minister Jung such that the present racial makeup of the including sculpture and painting etc. collection of this gallery. Bahadur Rana (1851) is one of the key pieces in country is a mixture of various Asian elements, the gallery’s collection. This object proves the lending to Nepal being called the “ethnic turn- The National Museum has three exhi- ETHNOGRAPHY SECTION infuence of Nepalese diplomacy in international table of Asia.” With the rich heritage of culture bition buildings in its complex: the Historical relations at the time. The gallery includes a and wealth of diversity in religious and ethnic building, Juddha Jatiya art gallery and the Bud- This section of the gallery showcases leather canon seized in the war of Nepal-Tibet variation, Nepal has been greatly enriched by dhist art gallery. Its collections are of political the lifestyle and attire of diferent people of the (1855-1856) and a machine gun (Bir Gun in Nepali) valuable arts and antiquities of historical and history, diverse ethnic groups of Nepal and art world. The main objective is to show their eth- invented by Nepalese scientist Gahendra Shum- archaeological signifcance. Even the process of objects represented in a multidisciplinary way. no-cultural background. sher Rana (1896-1897), which add grandeur to the collection.

1 Rana Prime Ministers were powerful Prime Ministers who ruled Nepal for 103 years from 1847 to 1950.

60 61 Balancing political history, ethnography and art: The role of a National Museum Mandakini Shrestha

various are showcased and an have recorded only the ruler’s history, the Na- unbiased representation of the long history of tional Museum should put efort into equally the nation. representing all political events. For this, a de- tailed study of how such events form a national Since the National Museum plays a history is needed. The National Museum should parental role in the development of museums represent not only rulers and elites but equally throughout the country, it plays a signifcant role incorporate those philosophical and political in the balance of political history, ethnography leaders, revolutionists and martyrs, whose con- and art. Its role can be broadly summarised as: tributions are equally valuable for the sovereign- ty and prosperity of the country. THE NATIONAL MUSEUM FORMULATES NATIONAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY Regarding politics, national and inter- national relations should be studied in detail The National Museum as a mirror of the and incorporated into the museum. In Nepal’s Portrait of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert Image courtesy of the National Museum of Nepal nation represents the social, political, economic context, after the 2008 declaration of federalism, and cultural aspects of the nation. Various which addressed the people’s demands, the royal political events arising out of diferent political palace was transformed into a museum. The circumstances and cultural dimensions have people and society’s interest should be taken into created diferent communities that form the consideration. Statue of King Jaya Burma dated 185 CE as inscribed national identity of the country and its society. Image courtesy of the National Museum of Nepal However, over time, changes in the perception of Regarding art, culture and indigenous human thought, technological inventions and perspectives, Nepal is termed “a garden of various PORTRAIT GALLERY his personal funds. Decorative wood, bronze, other developments etc. have afected tangible tribes.” A recent survey carried out by the Nepal stone, scroll paintings, decorative art forms, and intangible culture. Government shows that Nepal has 125 ethno- The colourful paintings of Malla and terracotta etc. are displayed in this gallery. The graphic groups and 102 linguistic groups. Many Shah kings, , Bhardars and Rana Prime Min- items in this gallery date back to 3rd century BC. In every historical period, political situa- are indigenous and on the verge of extinction. isters along with the portrait of international tions are experienced, which call for vivid histor- The cultural aspects of these groups should be personalities like Queen Victoria and Prince BUDDHIST ART GALLERY ic change in the world. Politics is the backbone identifed and addressed properly in society. The Albert refect the sheer talent and genius of of a country. With the change in the political, National Museum has an important role to play Nepali artists of the period. The third gallery in the museum building social and economic spheres of a country, its in this. After Nepal became a republic, ethnic was inaugurated in 1997. The artefacts related international diplomacy also changes. The Na- groups realised the importance of the museum ILLICIT TRAFFICKING GALLERY to are displayed in this gallery. There tional Museum plays a vital role in the writing in understanding their cultural identities and are three sections in this gallery based on geo- of cultural and political history by conducting developing their historical representation. Thus, The art works and masterpieces of Nep- graphical areas. One of them is related to the deep research and studies of political philosophy many groups are quickly establishing museums alese history which have been illicitly trafcked Southwest part of Nepal where Lord Buddha and ideology of diferent time periods in Nepal. to represent themselves. In such a context, the and have been successfully retrieved are displayed was born and lived. Another area contains the Recently, Nepal experienced a great political National Museum should research and study the in this gallery. objects from Valley, the supposed revolution in 2008, which saw the end of 240 cultural aspects of these groups and help them centre of Buddhist philosophy and art. The third years of monarchy. Nepal was declared a demo- institutionalise their actions. In providing all JUDDHAJATIYA GALLERY area relates to Himalayan cultures. cratic republic and a federalist country in 2008. ethnographic groups tribal identifcation and The National Museum has incorporated these ensuring their cultural protection, the National The next building in the museum complex From the description above, it can be seen changes and disseminated this new information Museum enhances social unity, cooperation and is the frst structure ever built for museum that the museum’s collections and how they are to society as well as developed documentation brotherhood between people. purposes. Prime Minister Juddha Shumsher displayed illustrate how the National Museum for future generations. While most museums Rana (1932-1945) constructed it in 1944, with of Nepal maintains a balance between how the

62 63 Balancing political history, ethnography and art: The role of a National Museum Mandakini Shrestha

NATIONAL MUSEUM STRENGTHENS many challenges in the feld of management in PUBLIC RELATION the technique and economic aspect of museum management. Yet, laws and bylaws still have not To balance these categories, methodol- been formulated for cultural heritage and the ogies should be applied. The museum’s friends, museum. There is a lack of skilled manpower. schools, institutions, museum councils, museum Due to the infuence of Western culture and associations, diferent age groups, volunteers, civilisation, new generations are fed up with colleges, etc. should participate. The National their own culture. Traditional skills are slowly Museum not only includes the elites. Grass- abandoned. In spite of these challenges, the roots level people are also equally encouraged to National Museum has successfully and contin- associate themselves with museums. This gives uously conducted its responsibilities. It has been them a sense of belonging in the museum and a doing its best to develop the museum in spite of place within national mechanisms. Through its the hindrances mentioned. In order to do this, programmes like school students memberships, the collection and display has been broadened. the National Museum maintains a public rela- Last year, in 2014, the illicit trafcking gallery tionship not only with students but also with and portrait gallery were opened. These galleries Traditional ornaments of Newar Community of Kathmandu gifted by local community and collected in National Museum their parents. It is also broadening its relation- brought a new dimension and added more value Image courtesy of the National Museum of Nepal ship to the world outside Nepal through inter- to Nepalese art. The collection donated by indig- national organisations like ANMA, ICOM, etc. enous communities is protected and represent- ed. Communities are very keen to donate their TO ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY cive environment for these items. The collection COMMUNITY AWARENESS IS cultural and historical artefacts to the museum PARTICIPATION FOR THE of art objects, tangible and intangible and other ESSENTIAL TO ASSIST A NATIONAL for preservation. Inspired by the museum’s pro- COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION cultural assets should be brought to museums MUSEUM IN ASSURING BALANCE grammes that build awareness in diferent com- OF CULTURAL ASSETS where the objects’ security can be assured. munities, many communities have donated their For a balanced environment for creation, cultural items to the museum for safeguarding, There should be due consideration paid NATIONAL MUSEUM EXPANDS THE programmes that build awareness are essential. which they return after use in their rituals. to equal representation. The collection should MODALITY OF EXHIBITION Until a society is well aware of their social and be built with the intention of equal represen- cultural identifcation, and there is political Educational programmes run by the Na- tation. Without the collection, a museum’s The National Museum is a multi-disci- stability, tangible and intangible heritages will tional Museum have earned 7000 schools and above mentioned role as balancing ethnography, plinary museum. It displays every aspect related not be protected and preserved. For this, colleges student membership with the museum. art and culture cannot be achieved. Again the to its theme on permanent display. However, society should be aware of the important role Through students, families and the general museum cannot proportionately represent all 125 having only permanent displays cannot meet of a national museum. Through its activities, public, the museum has been able to maintain ethnic groups in Nepal at the same time. Due the expectations of every community. The above technological innovations, documentation and its collaborative efort in sharing knowledge of to this, prioritisation is necessary. The National mentioned balance cannot be assured through outreach programmes, society is made aware thanka paintings. Contemporary art, writing Museum, through direct collaboration with permanent exhibitions. As with contextual of how to implement a balanced policy for the and sculpture moulding are also taught by the society, should encourage communities to con- changes over time, themes should also change. protection and preservation of cultural heritage. museum. This will contribute to the preserva- tribute to and enrich the museum’s collection. For example, from ancient times to today’s fed- tion of Nepalese art and culture. Annual acquisitions by a museum alone cannot eralism, public interest has changed with time. CHALLENGES contribute to striking a balance. Culture is The National Museum in creating a balance In April 2015, a huge earthquake added being threatened by modernisation. As a result, should also consider the public interest. For In the Nepalese context, museum de- more challenges and opportunities. Tangible the National Museum should put efort into this, temporary exhibitions, mobile exhibitions, velopment was only recently initiated. Public assets destroyed and dismantled by the earth- protecting its deep relations with society. Collec- cultural villages, home-stays, cultural expos, etc. interest towards museums is not well-devel- quake have been collected by the National tions from communities should be included in should be used as mediums to promote culture oped. In such dire circumstances, the National Museum. From one perspective, managing these the museum through gifts, loans or purchases. and art. Museum, being the frst museum in Nepal, faces assets has been challenging for the museum. The National Museum should create a condu-

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Tempera wall painting of Vishwaroopa dated 19th century rescued from residential palace of Prime Minister General Bhimsen Thapa Image courtesy of the National Museum of Nepal

However, it has also been an added opportuni- Vishwaroopa has been successfully restored in the ty for further research and study, from which gallery of the National Museum after the earth- additional information about Nepalese culture quake of 2015. This was a great achievement after can be developed. The tempera wall painting of the disaster.

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